A rainbow at Spicers Canopy. The area is named after Peter Spice, who in the 1860s oversaw the breaking of farming land in the region by convicts.
Photo Credit: Nick Rains
Four-day hikes run through Scenic Rim each Saturday between March and November, including gourmet dining and luxury accommodation.
Photo Credit: Nick Rains
Spicers Peak Lodge, which, at 1110m above sea level, is Australia’s highest non-alpine lodge. It’s a welcome respite during the hike.
Photo Credit: Nick Rains
Sunset at Spicers Canopy.
Photo Credit: Nick Rains
The view from Mt. French, a long dormant volcanic peak. It is one of many mounts in the Moogerah Peaks region, alonside Greville, Moon and Edwards. Mt. French is one of the few remaining areas in the Fassifern Valley with brigalow and vine forest, as much was cleared for farmland and colonial settlement.
Photo Credit: Nick Rains
Kangaroo and its joey along the Scenic Rim hike.
Photo Credit: Nick Rains
Hikers from Brisbane, Martin and Elizabeth Riley, take a break on Spicers Peak to enjoy views over Cunninghams Gap and Mt Mitchell while walking the four-day Scenic Rim Trail.
Photo Credit: Nick Rains
Martin Riley smiles despite the wind and elevation as he climbs Spicers Peak.
Photo Credit: Nick Rains
Lake Moogerah is located west of Spicers Canopy and the Scenic Rim trail. It is a popular fishing and camping destination.
Photo Credit: Nick Rains
The hills and mountains in the distance reflect off Lake Moogerah.
Photo Credit: Nick Rains
Farmland near Kalbar in the Fassifern region. The small town is home to approximately 700 people – due to the cleared surrounds, Kalbar has dramatic views of Scenic Rim.
Photo Credit: Nick Rains
The small town of Boonah sits in the heart of the Scenic Rim. Founded in the mid 19th century, the town was a cattle and farming hub key to colonial expansion. The town continues to be a centre for the wider Scenic Rim community.
Photo Credit: Nick Rains
A school at the Templin Historical Village near Boonah. The village contains tools that date back to pre-colonial contact, as well as insights into colonial and early 20th century Australia.
Photo Credit: Nick Rains
Display at Templin Historic Village.
Photo Credit: Nick Rains
Local Boonah artist Christopher Trotter creates scultptures using recycled scrap metal. Most notably, he designed the Blumbergville Clock, Boonah’s town clock with a five-chime whistle.
Photo Credit: Nick Rains
Christopher moved to Boonah in 2010, where he has found the open spaces great for inspiration. Recently, he’s moved into more surreal and steampunk-esque aesthetics.
Daniel Wicks at the Clydesdale Spectacular. He was the Australian Junior Whipcracking Champion in 2007 and has many other titles in whipcracking, including eight national titles.
Photo Credit: Nick Rains
Boonah reveers the Clydesdale horse. Driving into the city, you’ll pass a mental sculpture of the horse by British artist Andy Scott, and each year, the town takes part in the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular in homage to the horses who helped clear the land.
Photo Credit: Nick Rains
The two day Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular has be an annual event since 2013. The festivities involve ploughing demonstations, Scottish pipers and, as seen above, lots of colour.
Scenic Rim as seen from near Aratula. The ‘rim’ refers to a chain of mountains – which includes the Great Dividing Range, McPherson Range,
Border Ranges and Darlington Range – that wrap around the fertile valleys below. Nestled in these protected enclaves are quaint towns, such as Boonah, Aratula and Canungra, and lakes brimming with fish surrounded by six main national parks.
To provide a lifeline to early farmers on the Darling Downs, Brisbane convicts were put to work forging the first road through the Main Range. A new hike allows you to walk that trail and enjoy part of the Scenic Rim for yourself.
Read more about the Scenic Rim Trail and the land’s history in AG#136, out now.
All photos by Nick Rains.